QUICK TUBE REPLACEMENT QUESTION!

[Andre Oliveros]

hey, i noticed that one of my 6L6 Mesa power tubes, has something loose inside, its like a key type shape thing, i didnt notice this before, but today i was thinking about the question that i made some weeks before refering to a noticeable little hum when putting the amp to triode mode, ok the question is, i have a pair of svetlanas, that were backups of a old fender that i used to have, so could something bad would happen if i change only the pair where its this defective tube? or do i need to religiously order a new pair (this option kinda suck because im very far, and here things are more expensive) also i do have a quartet of El34, but before considering change to El's im asking this.

thanks

Dre.

 

[J.J]

If you could check what current the tubes run at your self then you could try the Svetlanas to see if they operate within the acceptable range. Otherwsie if they end up running hot and you don't know, bad things are likely to happen over a period of time.

Sounds like it may be best to get new tubes, or use the El34s if they are Mesa's or ones that have been specifically selected for the MKV.

 

[Andre Oliveros]

Does the warranty covers this time of tube problems?, and how does it work, i have the worst luck ever today is exactly the 6 month day, the order was placed january 14 (i just found the receipt in the Amp folder), today is july 14 i notice the problem yesterday... i hate this kind of luck!

what you mean by selected for MarkV, i can't use any brand? the El's i own are also Svetlanas, and its a matched quartet, bought this one for my last amp, was an Orange...

 

[J.J]

I'd expect the warranty would cover that. Mesa are very good with warranty, but it could come down to what your local guys are willing to do for you.

When tubes are made there is a wide performance difference some tubes run very "hot", some are middle of the road and others very "cold" Most amps can have their bias adjusted to suit a given tube. mesa amps though are fixed bias designs which can not be adjusted. So Mesa test tubes and select the ones that fall into the "mesa" working range.

For the above reason Mesa will only warrant their amps with Mesa or groove tubes. So if you don't want to void your amp warranty you have to use those brands.

Some tube shops are able to match tubes for Mesa amps so you can still use another brand of tube, I do, but I also accept that my warranty could be effected. Still the risk is very low if you buy from good shop.

Good luck dude.

 

[Andre Oliveros]

I really dont think the local guys are going to be very nice about warranty, so i think ill order new tubes from the good US, does anyone has any experience or suggestion using another brand? ill buy Mesa just because its "safe" (by the way whats the difference in the color chart? yellow, grey, etc?), but i mean tonewise, does anyone here has used another brands?

i used JJ's and Svetlanas in the past and for me, they sounded great for the amps i owned, were better tubes in so much ways than the stock, so thats why i ask...

i used to do a lot of things to my amps, without asking to much because i read a lot, but i dont know why i feel kinda intimidated by the Mark V...

 

[J.J]

Doug's tubes and the tubedepot are two places that can match tubes for you.

The mesa tube colour code is a measure of how hot they run in your amp. It does depend on the amp, but I have not noticed much difference in tone with the different colours. Different brands of tubes will make much bigger changes.

The SED winged C tubes are probably the most popular choice around here if your not on a budget. I have a set in my ED and they are a very nice step up from the Mesa STR 440. SED used to be called Svetlana, but some rights issue caused them to change name. The new Svetlana tubes are different and I am hearing very good reports about those for half the cost.

I used to do a lot of things to my amps in the past before I started using Mesa. I was not at all worried about my Blues Jr, but the Mesa's cost so much more I just don't feel lke messing :?